Alliance Global Group’s Dr. Andrew L. Tan has been awarded Spain’s highest civil honor, the Order of Civil, through the Spanish Embassy.

The decoration was awarded by Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo who recognized Tan’s “many entrepreneurial activities and initiatives.” He said, “Mr. Tan epitomizes the recent business and economic history of the Philippines, the country that has become one of the key players in the region.”

IMAGE COURTESY MEGAWORLD CORP.

IMAGE COURTESY MEGAWORLD CORP.

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Established in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII of Spain, the order is one of the highest honors given by Spain to nationals or foreign citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to society. Past Filipinos who have received similar honors include Jaime Zobel de Ayala for his promotion of mutually beneficial relationships between the Philippines and Spain, and former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, and First Lady Amelita Ramos.

IMAGE COURTESY MEGAWORLD CORP.

IMAGE COURTESY MEGAWORLD CORP.

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In his acceptance speech, Tan encouraged Spanish businessmen to invest in the Philippines. “Through this award, it is my wish to inspire and help bring Spanish businessmen to the Philippines to also invest here, especially in our booming tourism and infrastructure industry,” he said. “Spain has always been very strong in the tourism business. Last year alone, around 82 million tourists visited Spain. Their number of tourist arrivals is almost double their population,” he continued.

Tan chairs Alliance Global Group which is composed of Megaworld Corporation, Emperador Distillers, Inc., and Golden Arches Development Corporation which owns the master franchise for McDonald's in the Philippines. The tycoon has been doing business with Spain for the last 30 years. Emperador’s headquarters are at Torre Espacio, the fourth tallest building in Madrid.